Non-lethal projectile and launcher therefor

ABSTRACT

A non-lethal projector and launcher therefor for riot control and the like comprising a body formed from a relatively soft, pliant latex material compressed to projectile form and mounted within a restraining cup which in turn is mounted in a firing shell. The body at its rearward end includes retracted guidance structure that extends on the projectile being fired, a chamber at its forward end to receive a marking fluid for marking the target, and internal subdivisions in its mid portion designed to permit the body to expand laterally on impacting into a soft textured mass that flattens on impact to avoid injury to the target. The projectile launcher is in the form of a barrel assembly including a bell shaped muzzle which permits the projectile to be fired without jamming even when held against the target and braking slots for discharging the propelling gases rearwardly of the launcher to reduce recoil.

1: iiite States Patent 1 1 1 3,782,286 Jones et al. Jan. 1, 1974NON-LETHAL PROJECTILE AND 3,650,213 3/1972 Abbott 102/92.7

LAUNCHER THEREFOR [76] Inventors: Kenneth W. Jones, 205 Railroad,Primary Examier Rbert Stahl Clarendon H1115, 111. 60514; Edward Mann H.Richie, 4327 Elm St., Downers [22] Filed: 1972 A non-lethal projectorand launcher therefor for riot [2]] Ap N() j 308,010 control and thelike comprising a body formed from a relatively soft, pliant latexmaterial compressed to pro- Related Apphcauon Data jectile form andmounted within a restraining cup Division Of MW 12, 1970, Pat which inturn is mounted in a firing shell. The body at its rearward end includesretracted guidance structure that extends on the projectile being fired,a chamber [52] US. Cl 102/41, 102/927, 244/327 at its forward end toreceive a marking fluid for mark [51] Int. Cl. F42b 5/14, F42b 5/22 ingthe target and internal Subdivisions in its mid pop [58] Fleld ofSearch.....; 102/92, 92.7, 41, tion designed to p i the y to expandlaterally 102/] R; 244/31 on impacting into a soft textured mass thatflattens on impact to avoid injury to the target. The projectile [56]References C'ted launcher is in the form of a barrel assembly includingUNITED STATES PATENTS a bell shaped muzzle which permits the projectileto 609,003 8/1898 Borelli 244/13 be fired Without jamming even when heldagainst the 3,347,491 /1967 Pickart 244/327 target and braking slots fordischarging the propelling 3,429,263 2/l969 Snyder et al... 102/92 gasesrearwardly 0f the launcher to reduce recoil. 3,502,025 3/1970 Payne v102/92 3,584,582 6/1971 Muller 102/92 6 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures 4 7441 -4 18 5 5 34 j r.\\ \\\x i 26 72 44 7e NON-LETIIAL PROJECTILE ANDLAUNCHER THEREFOR This application is a division of our U.S. Pat.application Ser. No. 88,687, filed Nov. 12, 1970, now U.S. Pat. No.3,733,727.

This invention relates to a non-lethal projectile and launcher thereforfor use in riot control and the like, and more particularly, to animplement especially devised for use by those in law enforcement work toenable them to stun and/or mark for further identification individualswithout seriously injuring them.

The conventional hand tools historically used by police and otherscharged with law enforcement work, such as guns and nightsticks, havebecome symbols of oppression that often generate more problems than theysolve, effective as they may be in subduing riotous individuals. Thepolice officer or militiaman when confronted by rioters has lirriitedchoice of action: He may shoot to injure or kill, grapple with them andsubdue them with nightsticks, use tear gas or the like with or withoutone or more of the foregoing, or just stand by and allow the rioters todo their intended damage and escape. In cases of mob action, the risk offatalities on both sides is high as guns are put in use for defensiveand offensive purposes.

A principal object of this invention is to provide a non-lethal riotcontrol implement that may be used in the manner of firing a shoulderweapon, but which discharges a projectile that is effective in stunningand/or marking the culprit, but without injuring him.

Another principal object of the invention is to provide a riot controlimplement that is as handy to handle and fire as a conventional shoulderfire arm, but which avoids injury to the person fired on.

Other objects of the invention are to providea nonlethal projectileassembly that when fired discharges a flying body arranged for suitableflight stabilization and shock absorption on impact, to provide anon-lethal projectile that marks the target for later identificationwithout injury, to provide a non-lethal projectile launcher that ishandled similar to the familiar shotgun or rifle in operation, and toprovide a non-lethal projectile assembly and launcher therefor that areeconomical of manufacture, convenient and safe to store and use, andlong lived in operation.

In accordance with this invention there is provided a non-lethalprojectile and launcher therefor in which the launcher comprises a bodyformed from a relatively soft pliant material that is compressed to amore or less conventional projectile form for application to a shell forfiring same, which on being projected into free flight maintains itsprojectile like configuration and forms a guidance structure at itsrearward end, and on impact expands to form a relatively soft pliablematerial that flattens to absorb much of the energy involved in itsimpact. The projectile may include trapped inert gas pockets forexpanding same, and pockets at its forward end containing marking dyesor other substances which open on impact to mark the target. Thelauncher is a shoulder operated device that may be loaded in a mannercomparable to a rifle or shotgun, and which includes a bell shapedmuzzle in which a projectile may be fully expanded without jamming thelauncher if the launcher is fired when pressed against the target. Thelauncher barrel assembly includes braking slots rearwardly of its muzzlethat discharge the propelling gases rearwardly of the launcher to reducerecoil and limit and vent propelling pressure on the projectile.

Other objects, uses, and advantages will be obvious or become apparentfrom a consideration of the following detailed description and theapplication drawings in which like reference numerals indicate likeparts throughout the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a launcher arranged in accordancewith this invention;

FIG. 1A is a fragmental plan view of the launcher nozzle;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a projectileassembly, including its firing shell, in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmental cross-sectional view taken substantially alongline 33 of FIG. 1A, but on an enlarged scale, showing the muzzle end ofthe launcher barrel assembly;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view through the projectile assembly ofFIG. 2, taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, with one sidepartially broken away and associated parts flared for betterillustration of same;

FIG. 5 is a fragmental cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 but takenalong line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3, showing the projectile intwo positions during the course of being fired when the launcher muzzleis disposed adjacent a target;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of theprojectile as it appears in free flight;

FIG. 7A is a fragmental view of the rear end of a modified form ofprojectile body;

FIG. 8 is a view of the projectile body restraining casing as it appearsafter being thrown off on emergence of the projectile from the launcher;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view through the forward end of the projectile inits free flight form slowing one way of forming the projectile body tocontain a marking fluid;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are views similar to FIG. 9 illustrating alternate waysto form the body to contain a marking fluid;

FIG. 10A is a fragmental frontal view of the projectile body of FIG. 10;and

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the launcher muzzle and stockillustrating how the launcher may be equipped for photographicallyrecording the actions of a target just before and after firing of theimplement, with parts broken away.

However, it is to be distinctly understood that the specific drawingillustrations provided are supplied primarily to comply with therequirements of the Patent Code, and that the invention may have otherembodiments that will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and thatare intended to be covered by the appended claims.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Reference numeral 10 of FIG. 1 generally indicates alauncher of the shoulder arm type that is arranged in accordance withthis invention, which is adapted to receive and fire projectileassemblies of the type indicated at 12 in FIG. 2 that are also arrangedin accordance with this invention.

Launcer 10 generally comprises stock 13, receiver 14, which receives theindividual projectile assemblies 12 for firing same, barrel assembly 16through which projectile 18 travels, on the projectile assembly beingfired. Launcher may be equipped with a tube magazine 20 for receivingextra projectile assemblies 12, or alternately a clip magazine that isshown in outline at 22 for the same purpose, magazines 20 and 22 beingproportioned to accommodate the specific projectile assemblies 12 thatare illustrated, but which are otherwise arranged in a conventionalmanner to apply projectile assemblies 12 to the firing chamber of thelauncher 10 as required by the operator, whether by automatic means orother conventional devices which are not illustrated.

As indicated in FIG. 3, the barrel assembly 16 includes barrel structure24 which at the muzzle end 26 thereof includes a bell shaped muzzle 28or sufficient internal transverse dimension such that if the launcher isfired with the muzzle end 26 adjacent to or pressed against a target 30,the projectile 18 may fully expand as comprehended by this inventionwithout jamming the launcher. Formed rearwardly of the muzzle 28 arespaced slots 31 formed on the top and bottom sides of the barrelstructure 24, from which the projectile propelling gases discharge in arearward direction to reduce recoil and limit and vent propellingpressure on the projectile. The propelling gases in being directedupwardly and downwardly avoid possible injury to those standing toeither side of the implement when used.

The projectile assembly 12 comprises (see FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8) aprojectile body 32 formed from a suitable soft pliant resilientmaterial, such as latex or a suit-. able synthetic substitute, which inits unstressed shape has a configuration comparable to that shown in themuzzle of the launcher shown in FIG. 6, but which is compressed andrestrained to define the projectile or missile-like configuration shownin FIGS. 2 and 6. Body 32 at its rearward end 35 is formed with anannular chamber 34 which in the form of FIGS. 2 and 7 is filled with aninert gas, such as nitrogen, under pressure such that when theprojectile assembly 18 emerges from the bore of barrel assembly 16, therear end 35 expands outwardly to provide a guidance or stabilizingstructure 37 for the projectile. Body 32 is enclosed in a cup 40 that isof sufficient strength to maintain the body 32 in the projectile formindicated in FIG. 6, but which strips off the body 32 when it emergesfrom barrel assembly bore 25, in the manner suggested in FIG. 8.Surrounding the body 32 inwardly of the cup 40 is a mesh 42 or othersuitable restraining means of sufficient strength to maintain the body32 in the form shown in FIG. 7, forwardly of its rearward end 35, untilit impacts its target, whereupon the mesh 42 ruptures to permit the body32 to go into the collapsed and irregular shape indicated in FIG. 6.

Body 32, as indicated in FIG. 9, has its forward end 36 formed with apocket 44 containing a suitable marking fluid held in place by one ormore plugs 46 in the respective passages which are ejected on impact toinsure that the marking fluid 48 is applied to the target for furtheridentification purposes.

In the showing of FIG. 12, a minature movie camera 50 is suitablyattached to the barrel structure 24 of the launcher 10 and positioned sothat it covers the field of view in alignment with the target directionof the launcher. In this embodiment, the camera 50 is actuated by safetyswitch 52 which is arranged so that in addition to governing the firingof the launcher, by appropriate manipulation it can actuate the cameraduring a time of stress before and after the moment of firing. Thus aminimum amount of film will be expended, and a photographic record willbe made of the critical moments and events of a riot confrontation.Power to operate the camera may be derived from suitable batteries 54wired as diagrammatically indicated, whose preferred position will besomewhat as shown in FIG. 12 to maintain the balance of the launcher andoffset the weight of the camera, which as indicated, is mounted in aforward position on the launcher.

In operation, it will be seen that the launcher 10 may be equipped withone or more of the projectile assemblies 12 in a manner similar to ashotgun or the like, and carried by an individual charged with lawenforcement in a manner much the same as a conventional shotgun would becarried. The launcher 10 may be arranged in a more or less conventionalmanner to carry and insert into its firing chamber the projectileassemblies 12, with the parts involved being proportioned foraccommodating the projectiles 12.

When a riot confrontation or the like is imminent, the user applies aprojectile assembly to the firing chamber of the launcher 10, as byemploying the pump handle 60 of the launcher or other conventional meanswith which the launcher 10 may be equipped for this purpose, and holdsthe launcher at the ready in much the same manner that a conventionalshotgun would be handled. When the situation requires that the launcherbe used, the user takes aim and presses trigger 62 to fire the launcher,whereupon the projectile assembly 12 is fired and projectile 18 ispropelled through bore 25 of barrel assembly 16 in the manner indicatedin FIG. 6, the projectile configuration of projectile 18 beingmaintained by the barrel bore 25, the cup 40, and the mesh 42.

As the projectile 18 leaves the bore 25, the rear end 35 of theprojectile expands or distends due to the gas pressure within thechamber 34, in the manner indicated in FIG. 7, which, together with theair resistance to free flight involved, throws off the cup 40 so thatthe projectile 18 in flight has the configuration shown in FIG. 7.

As the projectile 18 passes the slots 30, the powder gases and the likeescape through the slots 30, which avoids forward escape of hotpropellant gases and the definite possibility of burning a target personunder hand to hand riot conditions.

On striking any target, the mesh 42 ruptures and the body 32 forming theprojectile 18 flattens out against the target.

The combined eflect provided by the initial relative high velocity ofthe projectile 18 and its rapid slowing in free flight yield aprojectile of unique performance. Without the need for grappling with orpursuing rioters or looters, the individuals involved may be confusedand partially stunned, or positively marked to a distance of feet ormore. On closer ranges, the impact of the projectile becomesincreasingly greater, and on face to face range, as when the user isconfronted with an armed attacker, the impact would be sufficient tocause unconsciousness as when fired against the attackers abdomen orface. In the case of juveniles, an impact against the shoulders, bodytrunk, or limbs would immobilize such persons with soreness the onlyharm done.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION The launcher 10, aside from the specifics alreadyreferred to, may be constructed in any suitable manner to handleprojectile assemblies 12, following suitable fire arm principles inlight of the teachings of this application. Bell shaped muzzle 28 avoidsplugging of the barrel when the launcher is fired when held against atarget (see FIG. 6) and under such conditions the size of the muzzlesufficiently spreads out thrust forces acting on the target to avoidpermanent injury to a target person so hit.

The projectile assembly 12 forms the ammunition round for the launcher10. The shell 41 in which the projectile 18 is mounted generallycomprises an outer tubular sleeve or casing 70 formed from a suitableplastic or the like seated within a suitable plastic or metallic base 72defining a recessed wall structure 74 forming opening 76 that is closedby a suitable primer plug structure 77 to form a high pressure firingchamber 78. Primer plug structure 77 is suitably fitted with percussionor electrical elements to fire the propelling charge 80 contained withinthe chamber 78, with the resulting burning powder gases escaping throughrelease vents 82 in the wall structure 74 into a low pressure chamber 84defined by the casing 70, the base 72 and its wall structure 74, and theprojectile 18. Similar to military grenade launchers, launchingpressures immediately build up in the chamber 84 to propel theprojectile 18 from its shell 41 and thence through bore 25.

The projectile cup 40 is preferably made of a suitable plastic or thelike, and is of shell form comprising a cylindrical side wall 90 and endwall 92. Cup 40 is employed to maintain the missle like shape of thebody 32 under the forces acting on same during firing of the launcherand travel of the projectile through the barrel. In the form shown, theside wall 90 is shaped to define spaced longitudinally extending lines94 of reduced thickness so that when the projectile is free of bore whenpressure and the distending action of the rear end of the projectilewill readily rupture the wall 90 along the ines 94 so that the cupreadily separates from the projectile as the projectile leavesthe'launcher 10.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, body 32 between its ends is formed with a pairof right angle slots 100 and 102 that separate this portion of 104 ofthe body into quadrants 106, 108, 110 and 112. Body 32 is preferablymolded or formed so that when free of the mesh 42 it tends to springinto a distended shape similar to that shown at the left hand side ofFIG. 6.

As indicated by FIG. 7A the stabilizing structure 37 may be formed byomitting chamber 34 and providing instead an integral flange structure37A which is compressed flat for shaping the body for insertion in cup40, but which springs out to the position indicated as the projectileleaves the launcher bore. Alternatively, radially spaced extendingflanges may be employed which are wrapped around the projectile bodywhen in cup 40, but which spring upright as the projectile goes intoflight.

The mesh 42 is preferably of nylon netting, its strength bing onlysufficient to hold the body 32 in the shape indicated in FIG. 7 duringthe projectiles free flight through its ballistic path. In addition, abinding may be applied about cup 40 in the form of a winding offiberglass threads 114 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) which are cut by a suitableknife blade 116 mounted in the discharge end of bore 25, but this isconsidered an optional feature.

The pocket 44 is formed in body 32 in any suitable manner, as aresuitable passageways 45 that are stoppered by the plugs 46. Plugs 46 areformed of a firmer type of rubber or plastic than the material formingthe body 32 and may be bonded in place to insure that the fluid 48 isretained within the chamber 44. Upon striking a target, the body 32 inflattening compresses the chamber 38, forcing out the plugs 46, as wellas the fluid 48.

The fluid 48 may be in the form of a fluorescent dye or dyes of a vividcolor or colors for the purpose of staining the skin of a target personso as to leave a mark indelible for some hours, enabling subsequentcapture and identification. The fluid 48 may also include chemicals ofthe irritant type such as tear gas or the like or those providing adistinctive or pervasive odor, such as the mercaptan series, difficultto remove for some hours, or both.

In the form of FIG. 10, the passageways 45A are located so that theplugs 46 closing same will be directed in a generally forward direction,so that a large portion of the fluid charge in chamber 48A will bedirected toward the target rather than being ejected at to the side, asin the embodiment of FIG. 9. Passageways 45A are also formed so thatplugs 46 will be recessed within the passageways, as indicated at 120.Further, recesses 120 are each struck on radius 122 forming grooves 124that radiate out from the axis of the projectile, as indicated in FIG.10A. The grooves resulting allow the escape of the fluid from within thechamber 48A with a free-spraying effect, avoiding a tendency to ejectchemicals directly into a nostril or eye cavity of a target person.

In the form of FIG. 11, the plugs 46A are defined from the materialforming the body 32 and are attached to same by connection in a positionto be inserted within the passageway 45B of the body 32B. The body 32Bis otherwise the same as already described in connection with theshowing of FIGS. 1 through 9.

In forming the bodies 32, 32A and 32B, lead shot or dust or itsequivalent (for instance, No. 12 shot or finer) may be molded into thebody at the time of forming for the purpose of enhancing stability inflight as may seem desirable or necessary, the lead dust beingconcentrated at the forward end of the bodies. The increased massresulting will provide a more effective blow on being delivered to thetarget without any increase in volume necessary to achieve this end (andto increase this effect, lead shot or dust may be dispersed throughoutthe body). The projectile bodies may, of course, be simplified byomitting pocket 44 and recesses 45 and their equivalents, therebyproviding a projectile without marking fluid.

It will therefore be seen that this invention provides a non-lethalprojectile assembly and launcher therefor that provides those in chargeof law enforcement with an implement that will deal with riot situationswhere the use of conventional weapons is not feasible. At close rangethe target person will be stunned or readily subdued without furtherinjury, and where marking fluid is employed, culprits can be marked forfurther ready identification at distances of up to 100 feet or more,again without permanently injuring the target person involved.

It is pointed out that while the launcher and projectile system of thisinvention will not avoid all injury to target persons, grievous lastinginjury will be avoided. A target person struck at close range by theprojectile of this invention will be stunned, with discomfitures such asbruises and swelling resulting. But broken bones and penetration of thebody are avoided.

The foregoing description and the drawings are given merely to explainand illustrate the invention, and the invention is not to be limitedthereto, except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, sincethose skilled in the art who have this disclosure before them may beable to make modification and variations therein without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. A non-lethal projectile assembly for use in riot control and thelike, said assembly comprising:

a projectile,

said projectile comprising a pliant body formed from resilientlyflexible material compacted to projectile form,

frangible means for restraining said body as compacted against releasefrom said projectile form,

a shell in which said projectile is disposed,

said shell being open at one end and closed at its other end.

said shell including means for firing said projectile therefrom throughits said open end,

said body in its projectile form including means at its rearward end fordefining stabilization means when said projectile is fired,

said stabilization defining means being held retracted by said shell.

2. The assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said frangible means comprises a mesh encompassing the forward portionof said body.

3. The assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said stabilization defining means comprises an annular pocket formed insaid body in circumambient relation about said body at its rearward endand containing inert gas under pressure,

said body rearward end on said projectile being fired expending todefine a stabilizing flare.

4. The assembly set forth inclaim 1 wherein: in claim said stabilizationdefining means comprises said body being formed to define compressivestabilization fin means held in retracted relation by said shell.

5. The assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said body adjacent its forward end includes a concentration of lead.

6. The device set forth in claim 1 wherein said body at its forward endincludes a chamber containing a fluid released on impact for marking thetarget.

1. A non-lethal projectile assembly for use in riot control and thelike, said assembly comprising: a projectile, said projectile comprisinga pliant body formed from resiliently flexible material compacted toprojectile form, frangible means for restraining said body as compactedagainst release from said projectile form, a shell in which saidprojectile is disposed, said shell being open at one end and closed atits other end, said shell including means for firing said projectiletherefrom through its said open end, said body in its projectile formincluding means at its rearward end for defining stabilization meanswhen said projectile is fired, said stabilization defining means beingheld retracted by said shell.
 2. The assembly set forth in claim 1wherein: said frangible means comprises a mesh encompassing the forwardportion of said body.
 3. The assembly set forth in claim 1 wherein: saidstabilization defining means comprises an annular pocket formed in saidbody in circumambient relation about said body at its rearward end andcontaining inert gas under pressure, said body rearward end on saidprojectile being fired expending to define a stabilizing flare.
 4. Theassembly set forth in claim 1 wherein: said stabilizatiOn defining meanscomprises said body being formed to define compressive stabilization finmeans held in retracted relation by said shell.
 5. The assembly setforth in claim 1 wherein: said body adjacent its forward end includes aconcentration of lead.
 6. The device set forth in claim 1 wherein saidbody at its forward end includes a chamber containing a fluid releasedon impact for marking the target.